Question

all of these are examples of random evolutionary processes except
a.
an earthquake divides a single elk species into two populations, forcing
them to no longer interbreed.

b.
a mutation in a flower plant results in a new variety.

c.
an especially long winter causes a group of migrating birds to shift their
home range.

d.
a mutation results in a population of trees that spread their seeds more
widely than their peers, causing their population to grow.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Earthquake dividing elk populations (geographic isolation) is a random evolutionary process (genetic drift via founder effect).
• Option B: Mutation is a random process as mutations occur spontaneously and randomly.
• Option C: A long winter shifting bird home range is a random environmental event leading to evolutionary change (e.g., natural selection pressures changing, but the event itself is random).
• Option D: The mutation here leads to a trait (wider seed spread) that gives a reproductive/adaptive advantage, so this is natural selection, which is a non - random process (traits that increase fitness are selected for).

Answer:

D. a mutation results in a population of trees that spread their seeds more widely than their peers, causing their population to grow.